BT Loses UFC

Global streaming service Eleven Sports confirmed this week that it has secured the rights to the UFC in the UK and Ireland, replacing BT Sport who has been the home of UFC since 2013.

The multi-year deal, which starts in 2019, allows Eleven to stream all 42 live UFC events next year as well as more than 150 hours of original and archive programming. Eleven revealed that it has the option to make some events available in partnership with other broadcast platforms – whilst making fight nights shown on its own service will be made available on demand after the event.

Eleven Sports has made an aggressive entry to the UK market since launching with rights to the PGA in August. Having since added coverage to La Liga, Serie A, Eredivise, CSL and Allsvenskan. The addition of UFC is the next step for the company’s fan centric strategy, with Eleven’s Group MD, Danny Menken saying “UFC has become a massive brand which has built a hugely dedicated and engaged following over 25 years, making it a perfect fit.”